If you’re stepping out in the Five Boroughs this morning, keep your umbrella handy and your patience even handier. New York is currently under a Winter Weather Advisory that’s set to complicate things from today, Wednesday, January 14, through Friday.
Honestly, it's that classic messy mix. We're looking at rain starting this afternoon, which then decides to turn into a slushy nightmare of freezing rain, sleet, and eventually about three inches of snow overnight.
Temperatures are plummeting. We’re hitting a high of 44°F today, but by tonight, it’s dropping to a bone-chilling 13°F. That means anything wet on the ground right now is going to be a sheet of ice by the time you're trying to grab a bagel tomorrow morning.
The Travel Advisory New York Today Survival Guide
Let’s talk transit. The MTA is already reporting delays on the 1 and 2 lines. If you’re a 4 train regular, heads up: there’s planned work causing partial suspensions. It’s basically a domino effect—one frozen switch and the whole morning commute goes sideways.
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The roads aren't much better. While the Thruway was reported "clear and dry" earlier this morning, the Port Authority has issued some pretty specific warnings. The Lincoln Tunnel North Tube is shutting down tonight starting at 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. Thursday. If you’re driving in from Jersey late, you’ll be funneled into the center and south tubes.
Also, watch out for the Henry Hudson Parkway. There’s a mess of construction near West 79th Street with ramp closures that’ll catch you off guard if you're not paying attention to the detour signs.
Flying In or Out?
JFK and LaGuardia are operational, but "operational" in New York during a sleet storm is a loose term. The Port Authority is practically begging people to use the AirTrain or the LIRR instead of ride-shares. Between the bridge construction and the icy patches forming on the Van Wyck, a car is the last place you want to be.
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New security protocols are also in full swing for 2026. If you haven't been keeping up with the news, the Department of State has fully suspended visa issuance for 19 countries as of January 1. This has added some extra layers of scrutiny at customs. Even for domestic travelers, the NYPD has been rolling out more secondary screenings in high-traffic hubs like Times Square and Grand Central. It's net-new for this year, so don't be surprised if you see mobile screening teams walking through the crowds.
Health and Local Logistics
There’s a random health note you should probably know about too. The City’s Health Department is currently tracking a small cluster of Legionnaires' Disease in Central Harlem. Specifically, if you’re hanging out in ZIP codes 10027 or 10037, just be aware. It’s not a "stay indoors" situation, but it’s the kind of thing locals are talking about.
On the bright side?
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- Alternate Side Parking is in effect today.
- Public schools are open (for now).
- Trash collection is running on its normal schedule.
The "Real ID" transition is another thing hitting people today. If you don't have that gold star on your license yet, you're going to face way more questions at the TSA checkpoints. Bring your passport if you want to avoid a headache.
Money Matters: The $3.00 Fare
Don't forget that the fare hike is officially here. A subway ride is now $3.00. OMNY is pretty much the king now, and they’ve actually made the 7-day fare cap permanent. Basically, once you hit 12 rides in a week (spending $35), everything else is free. It’s a small win in an expensive city.
Immediate Steps for Your Wednesday
If you're moving around the city today, do these three things immediately:
- Check the MYmta app before you even leave your apartment. The 1, 2, and 4 lines are the most "at-risk" for delays right now due to track work and weather.
- Plan your bridge/tunnel crossings before 11 p.m. to avoid the Lincoln Tunnel North Tube closure.
- Dress for the 13°F drop. The wind chill tomorrow morning is projected to be near zero, so that light jacket you wore today won't cut it by midnight.
Stay dry and keep an eye on the slush. New York is great, but it's definitely a "watch your step" kind of day.